Cleveland Cavaliers still could be in LeBron James' plans

FILE - In this April 23, 2014 file photo, Miami Heat's LeBron James (6) high-fives Chris Bosh (1) after the Heat defeated the Charlotte Bobcats 101-97 in Game 2 of an opening-round NBA basketball playoff series in Miami. At left is Dwyane Wade. A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press that James has decided to opt out of the final two years of his contract with the Heat and become a free agent on July 1. Opting out does not mean James has decided to leave the Heat, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because neither the four-time NBA MVP nor the team had made any public announcement. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

Never say never until itís over.
The Cavaliers are hanging in there in their pursuit of LeBron James.
James, the top free agent available on the open market, is mulling over his next NBA destination.
A return to Miami, which seemed like a foregone conclusion as early as last week, might not happen.
The fact heís entertaining offers from other teams could mean heís seriously considering signing elsewhere. The Cavs met with Jamesí agent, Rich Paul, this week in Cleveland, sources say.
ESPN reported Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert met with Paul on July 3.
All these recent developments might have mucked up Heat president Pat Rileyís master plan. Riley wanted the Big Three to opt out, take salaries below market value and allow the Heat to add some significant talent around them.
But James decided he wanted a maximum contract, as is his right. Then Chris Bosh made the decision he wants to be paid, as well, and is seeking an $80 million contract.
Along the way, Riley has sprouted a few more gray hairs. Heat fans are starting to seriously fret, and rightfully so.
Their star player could be on the move ó again.
James, 29, played seven seasons with the Cavs before shocking the world and leaving in free agency in 2010. Could he return to Cleveland and take care of some unfinished business? Itís seriously being considered.
James is well aware of his former teamís interest. At the beginning of the free-agent period, there were many observers who thought his ideal landing spots might be either Miami or Cleveland.
James advanced to the NBA Finals in all four years in Miami, winning titles in 2012 and 2013. But many observers around the league think things have crumbled around him.
Guard Dwyane Wade, a future Hall of Famer, is not the player he once was, and thatís being nice.
Bosh is still an All-Star-caliber player, but has evolved into being strictly a perimeter shooter. When the Heat was manhandled by San Antonio in the NBA Finals, everyone involved knew changes had to be made.
Itís no longer an ideal situation for James, who wants more of a supporting cast around him. The Heat have $55 million in salary-cap space but has not been able to entice any front-line talent to come to South Beach.
James could opt to join the youthful Cavs, who appear to be on the verge of becoming a playoff team. The bulk of their talent right now is in the backcourt with two-time All-Star Kyrie Irving and the potent-scoring Dion Waiters.
They added the athletic Andrew Wiggins in the draft, a player with James-like abilities. Like the rest of the team, he needs some seasoning and maturation.
The cupboard is not bare in Cleveland. The addition of James could vault the Cavs to the top of the Eastern Conference, largely because of the talent level of the four-time Most Valuable Player.
The Cavs arenít the only team willing to give James a max deal. The other teams include Houston, Dallas, the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix. All of them play in the rugged Western Conference, which could work against them in Jamesí decision-making process.
The Cavs would have to do some maneuvering to open up that kind of space under the cap. They currently have about $13 million in cap space and would have to move some big contracts.
One of the moves shouldnít be to whack forward/center Anderson Varejao. James would obviously want the floppy-haired Brazilian on the roster. He thrived in pick-and-roll situations with James the first time around.
James and Gilbert might have to mend their fences. After James left four years ago, Gilbert sent out a scathing letter, written in comic sans font, that probably didnít go over well in the superstarís camp. But life is about second chances.
Now, James could be close to making the ďDecision 2.0.Ē Thereís been some talk about James actually meeting with the finalists face-to-face, much like he did in 2010.
The Cavsí leadership has changed with new General Manager David Griffin and Coach David Blatt.
Itís up to James to buy in.
It could be a seamless transition for James, who would demand accountability from the Cavsí young players for the first time in their careers.
Some fans donít want to get their hopes up, just to have their hearts torn out again. The Cavs are hanging in there. This isnít a complete stretch.
James is going to make the best business decision. The Cavs are a viable option ó and maybe the best destination for him and his family.
How would you feel if James says, ďIím taking my talents to ClevelandĒ?Hawes to L.A.
Free-agent center Spencer Hawes agreed to a four-year, $23 million contract with the Los Angeles Clipeprs on July 4, Yahoo! Sports reported. Hawes played last season with the Cavaliers after being traded on Feb. 20 from Philadelphia.

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About the Author

Bob has covered the Cavs for The News-Herald and Morning Journal since 1995. He's a graduate of Kent State University and New Philadelphia High School. Reach the author at rfinnan@morningjournal.com
or follow Bob on Twitter: @BobCavsInsider.